UPDATED: Police Investigate Double Homicide in Montgomery Village
Two Northwest High School students were killed Monday night in Montgomery Village, and both were set to graduate today in ceremonies at DAR Constitution Hall, police and school officials said.
The victims were identified as Shadi Adi Najjar, 17, of Breezedale Lane in Germantown, and Artem S. Ziberov, 18, of Flag Harbor Drive in Germantown, according to a statement by Montgomery County polic.
“For those of you who knew Artem and Shadi, we ask that you remember and celebrate them. They were both excellent students who had a positive impact on those around them, and they will be greatly missed,” Northwest principal Jimmy D’Andrea wrote in an email to parents.
Watch the livestream of the graduation below:
https://youtu.be/cXTt4xr1dGE
Police said they received a call shortly before 11 p.m. about the sounds of shots fired in the 8200 block of Gallery Court.
When officers arrived, police said they found the victims inside a vehicle that was parked in the street on Gallery Court.
According to police, both people died from their injuries at the scene.
Police said the investigation is continuing.
D’Andrea’s message said counselors would be present at the commencement exercises and at school Wednesday.
“I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Artem and Shadi,” the principal said.
Rebecca Smondrowski, a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, said: “I’m obviously heartbroken the community and the school have to go through this.”
At the graduation, D’Andrea led the group in a moment of silence for Ziberov and Najjar, as well as a third student, Nigel Hendrickson, who died in January.
“While we’re here today to celebrate this momentous time in the lives of our graduates and their families, we have heavy hearts due to the loss yesterday evening of Artem Ziberov and Shadi Najjar,” D’Andrea said.
If you have any information about this case, contact the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of a suspect. Call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1.866.411.TIPS (8477).
Bad things always happen to good people. RIP Shadi and Artem ❤️
— Kweku Brew (@brew_kweku) June 6, 2017
Rest In Peace Shadi and Artem. Both amazing human beings who spread joy and happiness. We will miss you dearly and keep you in our prayers.
— Matthew Yoon (@TThewy) June 6, 2017
Detectives Investigate Double Homicide in Montgomery Villagehttps://t.co/kZyQzGawnw
— Montgomery Co Police (@mcpnews) June 6, 2017
Neighbor Says Home Security Camera Captures Audio of Gunshots on Gallery Court (VIDEO)
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